13 Fall Festivals on the Coast

Who says cotton candy, clambakes, and Ferris wheels don't mix? Find these and more at the following seasonal seaside celebrations.

Who says cotton candy, clambakes, and Ferris wheels don't mix? Find these and more at the following seasonal seaside celebrations.

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By
Lauren Arieux

1 of 13Photo: North Carolina Seafood Festival

North Carolina Seafood Festival

Morehead City, North Carolina, October 3-5, 2014

Feel like trying something new? Tour the state's main port and discover the ins and outs of the import/export business. Want some quality time with the kids? Enter a family fishing contest, ride the Ferris wheel, and enjoy a fireworks display. In the mood for good eats? Sample seafood from a variety of vendors and learn the right way to prepare coastal North Carolina delicacies from local experts. Throw in a hodgepodge of music genres, including blues, country, and Motown, and this festival really does have something for every member of the family.

Bayfest Music Festival

Mobile, Alabama, October 3-5, 2014

Join more than 200,000 other music lovers as you stroll through the streets of Mobile's downtown waterfront and take in the sounds of almost every musical genre ever contrived. Nestled among historic buildings and parks, nine stages become home to hundreds of musical acts during this three-day coastal festival that the Mobile Bay Monthly claims surpasses Mardi Gras as the city's best event. Bring your own chairs or find your niche among the crowds. With big-name acts as well as a stage dedicated solely to aspiring new artists, the festival always anticipates a crowd.

Dungeness Crab and Seafood Festival

Port Angeles, Washington, October 10-12, 2014

The Dungeness crab season may have drawn to a close at the end of summer, but that doesn't stop this festival on the Washington shore from hosting its very own Grab a Crab Tank Derby. Volunteers are on hand to assist in catching, cleaning, and cooking the crabs, and everyone who catches one is eligible to win a prize. In addition to this unorthodox sporting event, festival goers enjoy an old-fashioned crab feed, fresh seafood, and cooking demonstrations. Fresh Northwestern seafood abounds, as well as products and treats brought by retailers from all over the Olympic Peninsula.

Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival

Santa Barbara, California, October 11, 2014; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Head to the Santa Barbara Harbor, where if the lobster, sea bass, and prawns were any fresher, they'd still be swimming. Dozens of local fishermen cast their nets and lines all day and bring their fruits of the sea directly to the pier, where you can handpick your meal and watch as local chefs prepare them in every style imaginable. Other distractions include live entertainment, free boat rides, tours of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum and a Marine research vessel, children's activities, and a breathtaking setting on the harbor.

Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival

Newport, Rhode Island, October 18-19, 2014; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For two days in October, sea chanties, Irish folk songs, and good old-fashioned rock and roll fill the air in downtown Newport as festival goers fill their bellies. Local restaurants offer their specialties, and brews and wines flow from the outside bar. Pumpkin decorating and face painting keep the kids occupied while the adults meander through the street and sample the fare, including wines from the best of Newport's vineyards. Be sure to bring your appetite! This year's event is sponsored by Sam Adams (beer) and Newport Vineyards (wine).

Pismo Beach Clam Festival

Pismo Beach, California, October 17-19, 2014

Celebrate with the one time "Clam Capital of the World" as it celebrates its annual festival. A parade on Saturday morning kicks off the festivities, which include a Chowder Cook-Off with festival goers as the judges, vendors of all kinds, live musical entertainment, a beer & wine garden, and the weekend's highlight: the annual Kids Clam Dig. One hundred numbered clams are buried, and each one discovered carries a prize. The lucky kid who digs up clam 100 wins $100 and bragging rights for the next year. Don't plan to bring your other diggers, as pets aren't allowed.

Urbanna Oyster Festival

Urbanna, Virginia, November 7-8, 2014

Join the festival's Queen and "Little Miss Spat"―a spat is a baby oyster―along with more than 75,000 others for two days of old-fashioned, family-oriented fun. Don't miss the event's two parades. One is traditional―think marching bands, antique cars, and floats. The other, The Fireman's Parade, features more than 100 fire and rescue vehicles of every size and description. On Saturday, cheer on professional shuckers from around the state as they vie for the title of champion of the annual Oyster Shucking Contest. And we can't forget the abundance of delicious oysters served raw, roasted, fried, smoked, steamed, and stewed.

National Shrimp Festival

Gulf Shores, Alabama, October 9-12, 2014

Get your peeling fingers ready! Held annually at the Gulf Shores public beach since 1971, this four-day festival draws crowds of more than 300,000 and features an international marketplace, fine arts and crafts from more than 200 artists, two stages of musical entertainment, a Children's Art Village, and, of course, more varieties of shrimp and shrimp recipes than Bubba Gump could ever want. And for those with a competitive spirit, kids of all ages can enter the annual sand castle contest on Saturday. Don't fret if your castle falls or gets trampled, as you won't go home empty-handed: Every entrant receives his or her very own sand bucket to keep.

Carolina Kite Fest

Whether you're a kite connoisseur or just a beginner, this unique yearly festival (hosted by local shop Kites Unlimited) on Atlantic Beach (in front of A Place at the Beach Resort) offers opportunities for everyone. BYOK and fly all day. And if you find yourself kiteless, Kites Unlimited's shop sits just a few miles away. This is a "participation event" with lots of opportunities for enjoyment. Fly a kite, volunteer, build a kite with your child, fly a kite, watch a demonstration, fly a kite. You get the picture. Come and go as you please, but don't miss the Night Fly on Saturday night at 6 p.m., as local pros light up their kites and indulge viewers in an unforgettable show.

Stormy Weather Arts Festival

Cannon Beach, Oregon, November 7-9, 2014

Discover your inner Van Gogh at Cannon Beach's annual three-day festival filled with art, music, and literary events. Catch the weekend's highlights including an art walk, art gallery receptions, photography exhibits, and a "So you think you can paint" competition. Be sure not to miss a festival favorite--"The Quick Draw." This fascinating event features artists creating their own individual masterpieces out of raw materials in one hour. The completed pieces are then auctioned off to lucky recipients. Buy your tickets early for this annual event that's always sold out in advance!

Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, November 5-9, 2014

Forget about Sundance! The Rehoboth Beach Film Festival is becoming a coastal staple for movie buffs from across the U.S. Enthusiasts can enjoy approximately 100 of the best American and international films including features, documentaries, and shorts over the five-day festival. All films are conveniently shown at one multiscreen location. Other highlights include informative seminars, opportunities to meet celebrity guests, and a Children's Cinema Corner.

Poquoson Seafood Festival

Poquoson, Virginia, October 17-19, 2014

This three-day staple on the fall calendar of the Virginia Peninsula draws nearly 50,000 people to celebrate the heritage of the Chesapeake Bay Waterman. With over 150 arts and craft vendors, 25 food vendors, and a plethora of commercial exhibits, every picky palate and creative soul will be satisfied. Check out the aunnal 5k run and workboat races that kick off the festival each year, and be sure to pick up a tasty crab cake!

Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival

Bluffton, South Carolina, October 12-19, 2014

Held in the charming historic district of Bluffton, this weeklong annual event features locally harvested seafood, rich history, a juried art show, and more. Pack a picnic and enjoy the festival's kickoff gospel concert on Sunday, then save room for the Tour and Lowcountry Boil at Waddell Mariculture Center on Monday. With a 5k oyster run, family night, and boat tours as just a few of the other activities offered during the week, everyone's sure to have a good time.